Many players have reported that they can’t play Fortnite because the game gets stuck on a “Checking Epic Services Queue” error message when starting. For example, one player said this on Reddit: “Checking Epic Services Queue… I am having trouble getting into the game. Every time I try, I get that message, and then it just keeps loading.” That Fortnite error can occur on Windows PCs and consoles. This is how you can fix the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” error.
Check the Fortnite Server Status
First, check if there’s any Epic/Fortnite server-side issue that might be causing the “Checking Epic Services Queue.” To do that, open this page on the Epic site and click Fortnite there. Does that page show there are any server-side issues? If so, wait a day or two for Epic to sort them out and then try playing Fortnite again.
The Fortnite server status page
Power Cycle Your Router
A few players have confirmed they’ve fixed the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” by restarting the routers. Those players unplugged their internet routers and plugged them back in again. So, try power cycling your router like that as follows:
- Turn off your console or Windows PC.
- Unplug the power cable for your internet router.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Reconnect the unplugged power cable with the router.
- Wait at least five minutes before returning to Fortnite on your PC or console.
Select Alternate MAC Address (Xbox Fix)
Many Xbox players say that they’ve fixed the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” error by selecting the Alternate MAC address option. However, this potential resolution is only applicable to Xbox players. You can select the Alternate MAC address options on Xbox Series consoles like this:
- Start your Xbox console.
- Select the Settings option.
- Next, select Network Settings on the General tab.
- Select the Advanced Settings > Alternate MAC address options.
The Alternate MAC address option
- Finally, select the Clear option.
The Clear option
- To apply changes, select the Restart option.
Test Network Connection (Xbox Fix)
Another player-confirmed way to fix the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” error is to select the Text network connection option on Xbox consoles. Selecting that option will verify your console’s basic connectivity. These are the steps for selecting the Test network connection option:
- Go through steps one to three of the previous resolution to select Network Settings on your Xbox console.
- Select the Test network connection option.
The Test network connection option
- Then, select Continue to finish.
Apply a Network Reset
Applying a network reset restores network settings to default on Windows PCs. That might be the best option for fixing network issues causing the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” error to arise on Windows PCs. This is how you can apply a network reset:
- Activate the file and app search tool with the Windows logo + S key combination.
- Enter a network reset search phrase.
- Click Network reset to bring up that option.
- Press the Reset now button, and select Yes to confirm.
The Reset now button
- Restart your PC to re-establish the connection.
There aren’t that many confirmed ways to fix the Fortnite “Checking Epic Services Queue” error on Windows PCs and consoles. However, the potential resolutions suggested above have worked for some players. If you need more possible fixes for this gaming issue, click Contact us on this Epic page to send a support ticket.
